Many of the physicians who are fertility experts in Mexico are English speaking and have been educated in the United States. They also have immense experience with medical tourists. Most patients will tell you that coming to Mexico for treatment AND vacationing was a win-win for them.

How long do I need to stay in Mexico for my IVF cycle?

The exact number of visits and the entire plan of treatment will be determined during the initial consultation with your doctor. Typically 7 to 10 visits to the fertility clinic are necessary during your stay with the patient visiting the clinic every other day. This information helps patients plan the vacation part around their trip.

Why come to Mexico you may ask?

First up – Cost. The majority of Americans and Canadians who are seeking fertility treatment choke at the cost of IVF in the USA and Canada. In the US alone, the cost of traditional IVF (without an egg donor) is upwards of $17-20,000.00 per fresh cycle. If the patient requires ICSI, assisted hatching for PGD the price can easily creep upwards several thousand dollars.

Not everyone in the USA has health insurance that covers infertility. In fact, only a handful of health insurance companies cover any sort of infertility. 95% of infertility costs are straight out of the patient’s pocket.

Fertility clinics in Mexico abide by the same treatment, protocols and standards as those in the USA but argue their costs are much lower. IVF in Mexico including travel costs – flights, car and lodging can save American and Canadian patients upwards of 50%.

Let’s talk a little about gestational surrogacy

Surrogacy is illegal in many countries worldwide. In the United States, surrogacy is under state jurisdiction and some states are not considered legally friendly for surrogacy. It’s also incredibly expensive. Upwards of $70,000.00 for a gestational egg donation cycle.

In countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK, only altruistic surrogacy (meaning no money is exchanged for the actual carrying of the pregnancy) is allowed where the gestational surrogate is not paid; however the gestational carrier can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses. Also, there are legal issues for intended parents and sometimes the legal contracts can be challenged.

In the state of Tabasco surrogacy is legal.

Compensating the surrogate mother is illegal. In addition, legal protections are usually not given to intended parents. Local surrogacy contracts in your country are often considered invalid if they are challenged. This is not the case in the state of Tabasco.

The state of Tabasco in Mexico is one of a handful of places in the world which allows gestational surrogacy. Tabasco does not discriminate based on marital status or sexual orientation. The laws in Tabasco are intended parent friendly and enforce surrogacy contracts that recognize intended parents as the birthparents of any baby born of a gestational surrogate. This is explicitly backed up in several articles of the Tabasco civil code. What this means is if there is a legal and recognized surrogacy contract, the law in Tabasco does not require a blood line (genetic link) to your child. Tabsco states:

“It is very important to recognize that the easiest way to gain citizenship in your home country for your child born through surrogacy in Mexico is through a direct genetic link. If no genetic link is present, it is very important to consult independent legal consul with a specialty in immigration and family law.”

Many couples often have a Reproductive Endocrinologist in the United States and coordinate care between their clinic in the USA and Mexico. Global IVF will be going more in-depth and addressing Mexico as a destination for fertility treatment in the New Year.

Traveling to Mexico

Traveling to Mexico is convenient and easy for those coming in from the USA and Canada. As all countries outside the USA individuals will require a passport, however, you will not require a visa coming from the USA. If the patient is traveling from New York or Chicago (as well as many other cities) Cancun, Guadalajara travel is between 4 and 5 hours by jet.

Aside from the medical care in Mexico the beaches, hiking, swimming, authentic regional cuisine, Cozumel is also a quiet spot to learn about Mayan culture. You might want to visit Mexico’s historical sites, read a book, or swing amongst the coral reefs – And don’t miss the Teotihuacan Pyramids which are something not to miss. There are also ancient civilizations, colonial history, local culture, and whale watching. One amazing place to point out is The Sea of Cortez – becoming known as Mexico’s Galapagos — remarkable area is prolific with whales and dolphins and other wildlife from November to April.

Many ask when to go? Anytime during the late Fall and Winter months is always nice — early November is a great time to visit when you can experience Dia de Muertos, the famous Mexican Day of the Dead. The favorable months to go to Mexico are December, January, February, March, April, May, early November, and early June.

Okay – I’m Interested Where To Go?

Puerto Vallarta

Tucked in amongst the Sierra Madre Mountains. There is over 40 miles of killer coastline that showcases an amazing scenic backdrop. This city is a cultural mecca for art, cuisine, and music! Most will you tell you hands down that this is one of their most favorite spots for their own personal tropical get away.

Cozumel

Known worldwide for its crystal-clear waters and coral reef, Cozumel boasts a surplus of water sports, including snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, deep-sea fishing, and diving, in this oh so magic setting. This gem is only a little ways across from Cancun, but it is as different as night and day. Its calm, laid back, no seaweed and very little commercialization.

Cancun

14 miles of pristine white beaches shaped like the number seven (7), crystalline waters and sultry nights sum up this travel destination quite nicely. But there’s more! Resting on the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo (keen-tah-nah-ROW), Cancun was a part of the ancient Mayan civilization and is still considered the gateway to El Mundo Maya (the Mayan World).

Cancun has the distinction of being the one Caribbean destination with the infrastructure, modern amenities (major facelift in 2006) and service philosophy to rival leisure destinations worldwide. Unlike many other parts of the Caribbean and Mexico, Cancun was built for tourism, and continues to meet the needs of its over 3.3 million annual visitors. Cancun delivers to travelers the best of many worlds: the Caribbean and Mexico; modern and ancient; action packed and laid back. Cancun is unequaled in its ability to offer cultural treasures, natural beauty, infinite activities and North American-style conveniences which is very helpful for IVF patients traveling for fertility treatment who require rest and relaxation.

Because of Cancun’s near perfect weather, and easy accessibility from North American gateways, Cancun emerged as the countries #1 travel spot. You will find Cancun’s hospitality staff to be among the best-trained in the world at leading hotel brands represented in here—from the major names in affordable accommodations such as Best Western and Holiday Inn to the very best in luxury such as Ritz-Carlton to Hilton.

Guadalajara

The inland city of Guadalajara is bursting with history and culture. Many attractions are in the city’s historic center and in the neighboring city of Zapopan. Museums, parks and churches flourish alongside bullfights, rodeos and soccer. Nearby are the towns of Tequila, where the liquor of the same name is produced, and Tlaquepaque and Tonala, where artisans create an abundance of Mexican handicrafts. Mariachi, which originated in the area, is a common sight and sound in Guadalajara.

Mexico City

Mexico City, one of Mexico’s most iconic travel destinations and home to an amazing array of sights, activities and events. First time visitors to Mexico City will quickly be fascinated by how fun and mesmerizing Mexico City can be. For those looking for a glimpse of the real Mexico, or just a fun night out, Mexico City mixes old world charm with a modern and exciting night life.

Popular activities include exploring the famous Metropolitan Cathedral and the Frida Kahlo Museum. Favorite cultural institutions are the National Palace presidential residence and the Palace of Fine Arts. Also, be sure to stroll the Central University City Campus, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for its 20th century architecture.

Useful Factoids about Mexico (Know before you go)

Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, and also referred to as the United States of Mexico, is a federal constitutional republic in North America.

Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country about three times the size of Texas, consisting of 31 states and one federal district. The capital is Mexico City. Mexico has a rapidly developing economy, ranked by the World Bank as the thirteenth largest in the world in terms of GDP. The climate ranges from tropical to arid, and the terrain consists of coastal lowlands, central high plateaus, deserts and mountains of up to 18,000 feet.

Many cities throughout Mexico are popular tourist destinations for U.S. citizens and in 2013 U.S. citizens continued to account for the largest foreign tourist population visiting Mexico.